Broken Ankle
Broken ankles are common with people, who practice sports, children, and the elderly. The ankle is usually broken when there is a strong twisting motion, and this usually ends in a snapping or popping sound. When podiatrists talk about Lateral and Medial Malleolus or B-Malleolar or Tri-Malleolar fractures, they are referring to the location of your ankle fracture. The most common broken ankles happen on the back of the ankle and the inside of the ankle.
How to Treat a Broken Ankle
The first thing you should know about treating a broken ankle is that it is seldom a life threatening situation. However, the pain can be quite unbearable, and you won't be able to apply much weight on your ankle immediately after it is broken. You should never try to be your own doctor when it comes to injuries such as a broken ankle. If you have a broken ankle, get immediate help from a doctor.
Additional tips:
- Control Bleeding - If there is a compound fracture, the bone might pierce the skin, and cause bleeding. This needs to be stopped by applying pressure.
- Elevate It - If you keep your ankle elevated, it will reduce some of the pain. It's best to keep it elevated above the heart.
- Stay off of It - The very first thing that you should do is to not apply pressure to your ankle. If you have to hop around, it is best you have someone help you move around until you get crutches or other support.
- Use Ice - Ice will help you reduce the swelling. Ice can also help take away some of the immediate pain that you are feeling. Most people, who have a broken ankle notice how quickly their ankles swell.
- See a Doctor - A doctor will need to determine if your bone is broken or not. After getting an X-ray, your doctor can see what kind of break you have. From here, they will know what kind of cast to give you, if you need one. At this point, your doctor might also refer you to a podiatrist for further examination and rehabilitation.
Contact Talus InMotion Foot & Ankle for more information.